All of us want to make a distinction in this crazy world, which is why philanthropy remains more crucial than ever.
Philanthropy has, obviously, changed throughout the centuries since the days of Ancient Greece, but it has actually ended up being no less necessary to a functioning democracy. Individuals like Marcel Arsenault create entire philanthropic businesses like foundations to handle a few of the most pressing and complicated problems of the day, whilst corporate philanthropy is ending up being more engrained in the daily operations of average businesses worldwide. As we move deeper into an uncertain century, philanthropy is just going to end up being more essential to dealing with things like the climate crisis, using that common spirit and kindness that is inherent in all human beings to secure the future of all life in the world. It has actually held true for over 2 thousand years, and it will continue to hold true well for as long as people are in need and there are those kind enough to provide an assisting hand.
We can trace the philanthropy meaning back to the days of Ancient Greece. In fact, the word itself stemmed from the Greek 'philánthrōpos', implying man loving in the broad communal sense instead of the literal. The Greeks thought that philanthropy was important to the workings of a healthy democracy, and that those who were lucky enough to enjoy the enjoyments of wealth had a responsibility to assist the local community which had given them the opportunity to do so. In fact, it was not so much anticipated as required. If they did not contribute to the local community, often by funding public works like the repair of temples and city walls, or helping to support the cultural life by financing public festivals and so forth, they were in very genuine peril of being ostracised totally from the local community; and not simply from those of a lower social-economic standing however their peers too. We still harbour these expectations today, although the threats might be more reputational than social in the modern-day world.
Philanthropy plays an essential function in the modern-day world. Famous philanthropists like Bill Gates have had an enormous impact on substantial international concerns, doing a remarkable 180 from committing their lives to the build-up of financial resources to devoting their lives to giving them all away. Philanthropy has ended up being part and parcel of being rich and successful, an opportunity to have a real, essential effect on the world in which we are all participants. It's also a chance to pursue one's passions, something which is rarely the case within the boundaries of one's career, with individuals like Bruce Rappaport able to pursue philanthropic activities in the worlds of art, healthcare, and beyond! However, it's not only essential to the individuals who are doing the giving, it's an important part of a functional society, something which we have understood for over two thousand years.